US officials announced that roughly 200 troops will participate in a so-called “joint task force” aimed at overseeing a ceasefire in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
One senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, insisted that “no US troops are intended to go into Gaza,” claiming the mission would remain outside the enclave.
The location of the deployment is expected to be determined in upcoming discussions.
The official said the troops’ initial assignment will be to establish a “joint control center” and coordinate with forces from other nations “to deconflict with the IDF (Israeli army), and then to build the right force structure.”
US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Bradley Cooper will supervise the operation to “ensure there are no violations or incursions,” officials said, despite widespread skepticism about the Israeli regime’s record of defying international oversight.
“Much of this is going to be oversight,” another US official said, downplaying the scale of the deployment.
The contingent will form the nucleus of an international force expected to include military representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and possibly the United Arab Emirates, according to US media.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the troops “are already stationed at CENTCOM” and “will be tasked with monitoring the peace agreement in Israel,” adding that they will coordinate with “other international forces on the ground.”
Washington is reportedly in talks with “multiple governments” to form an “International Stabilization Force,” which will gradually replace the occupying Israeli forces in Gaza along what is being called the “yellow line,” a zone from which Israel is supposed to begin its withdrawal under President Donald Trump’s plan.
“There’ll be discussions to see if there really is a true pathway for decommissioning the military installations in Gaza and the heavy arms in order to get that going,” one official added, suggesting ongoing uncertainty over Israel’s compliance.
Trump on Wednesday announced that Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a 20-point ceasefire plan unveiled on September 29.
The proposal includes the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The second phase calls for the creation of a new governing structure in Gaza without Hamas’ participation, a joint Arab-Islamic security force, and the disarmament of resistance factions.
It also envisions Arab and Islamic funding for Gaza’s reconstruction, with limited involvement from the Palestinian Authority.
While several Arab and Muslim nations have cautiously welcomed Trump’s plan, many have stressed that its success depends on Israel’s willingness to end its occupation and adhere to international commitments — something the regime has repeatedly failed to do.